Comparing Estriol vs Estradiol: Which is the Best Estrogen?
Are you curious about the differences between Estriol and Estradiol?
These medications have distinct purposes and applications.
Estriol is primarily used for Estrogen deficiency conditions (vulvar itching and Vaginitis) and vaginal dryness.
On the other hand, Estradiol treats and prevents hot flashes.
Understanding the contrasts between Estriol vs Estradiol is crucial when considering their usage.
Continue reading to learn more about the key differences between Estriol and Estradiol.
Quick reviews
| Basis | Estriol | Estradiol |
|---|---|---|
| Uses | Vaginal dryness Vulvar itching and Vaginitis | Treat and prevent menstrual symptoms like hot flashes Osteoporosis |
| Year of FDA approval | Not approved | 2004 |
| Side effects | Some common side effects of Estriol include – Hair loss Headaches Bloated stomach Nausea and vomiting | Some common side effects of Estradiol include – Heartburn Headaches Constipation Weight gain or loss |
| Avg. Cost | $25-$40 | $4.5-$38 |
| Others | Generic | Generic |
These comparative advantages of both medications make it necessary to study them in depth.
Read to learn more about the medications and compare them objectively.
There are several clinical studies on Estriol vs Estradiol. A few of those are mentioned here.
For the treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), clinical research comparing Estradiol and ultra-low dosage 0.005% Estriol vaginal gel was reported in NCBI.
Estriol is a weaker hormone than Estradiol, yet clinical investigations show that both are equally efficient in preventing GSM.
Another clinical study published in PubMed found that Estriol appears to be effective at controlling symptoms of menopause.
These include hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and frequent urinary tract infections.
The study also found that Estriol provides some of the protection without the risks associated with stronger estrogens.
As stated in a Life Extension article, despite being the least potent Estrogen, Estriol is quite helpful in alleviating menopausal symptoms and preserving urinary tract health.
It is also useful in preventing conditions like Breast cancer and Osteoporosis.
What is Estriol
Estriol (Ovestin) is one of the three main Estrogens produced by the human body.
It is a major urinary Estrogen produced significantly during pregnancy as the placenta makes it.
It works specifically as an agonist of the Estrogen receptors ER? and ER?.
Estriol is used as a medication, primarily in hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms.
Studies have shown that Estriol is highly effective in,
- Protecting urinary health
- Controlling vaginal dryness
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Overcoming menopausal symptoms
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, a UCLA neurologist, conducted a study combining Estriol (a female steroid hormone) with Copaxone (for Multiple Sclerosis).
By the end, she concluded that Estriol noticeably reduced the disease’s symptoms in pregnant women by nearly 50 percent with only one year of treatment.
What is Estradiol
Estradiol is an FDA-approved medication that falls under the category of Estrogen Derivatives.
It helps alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Estradiol also protects postmenopausal women from developing Osteoporosis (bone loss).
Low Estrogen levels caused by ovarian failure are also treated with this medication.
Some forms of breast and prostate cancer may also respond to treatment with Estradiol.
This medication works by binding to receptors found in Estrogen-responsive tissues.
It binds to estrogen receptor alpha (ER?) and estrogen receptor beta (ER?), members of the steroid/thyroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily.
Estradiol regulates the growth and development of female sex characteristics such as the breasts, uterus, and vagina.
Regular production of this hormone occurs in premenopausal women and is critical for sexual maturation, menstrual cycle management, and fertility.
It can be taken as a pill, applied topically as a gel or patch, used vaginally as a cream, or administered intravenously.
You should only take Estradiol if your doctor prescribes it for you.
Side effects
Both Estriol and Estradiol have potential side effects.
Estriol may cause headaches, swollen, tender, or painful breasts, irritation or itching of the skin, Jaundice, or High Blood Pressure.
Estradiol may cause thinning scalp hair, dizziness, breast pain, mood changes, vaginal itching or discharge, or sleep problems.
Precautions
There are specific things you need to know before using these medications.
Estriol
Follow these precautions before using Estriol.
- Always stick to your prescription and avoid changes in dosage
- Estriol might react with other medications. So inform your doctor if you have other supplements, medications, or herbal products
- Pay regular visits to your doctor for check-ups and monitoring of your progress
- If you develop allergic symptoms after taking Estriol, immediately see your doctor
- Avoid taking this medication if you have breast cancer, asthma, liver disease, clots in your blood, or Porphyria
- Consult with your doctor if you are about to conceive, as the drug might harm the fetus or pass into the breast milk
- Keep the medication away from the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from heat and moisture
Estradiol
Here are a few of the precautions that you need to keep in mind before using Estradiol.
- Avoid skipping any dosage and try to finish the entire course of treatment as stopping it early might make the symptoms hard to treat
- For better supervision, disclose your medical history before your doctor
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products as they can interact with Estradiol and increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and blood clots
- Try to limit sun exposure and avoid tanning booths and sunlamps
- If you use lenses, you might develop vision problems
- Keep the medication away from children and store it in dark places
Pros and cons
Here is a general overview of Estriol vs. Estradiol’s pros and cons, which might be useful.
| Estriol | Estradiol | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros: | It controls menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes Better safety profile than Estradiol Effective when applied topically for Vaginal Atrophy Protecting urinary health | Estradiol is available as an oral tablet, which is easier to use than a vaginal cream, topical gel, or ring It is a low-cost generic drug The tablets have various strengths, so it’s easy to customize the dose Estradiol helps to prevent bone loss and weak bones after menopause |
| Cons: | Weaken your bones Increase your risk of heart disease, Endometrial hyperplasia, or breast/endometrial cancer Using it with other Estrogen therapies might elevate the risk of weight gain, vaginal itching, or yeast infections | It can be difficult to keep track the cyclic dosage of Estradiol It can increase your risk of certain types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases It can worsen certain health conditions like Diabetes and Asthma There are other, safer treatments available to prevent Osteoporosis |
Interactions
The working of the medications might change the drug interactions or enhance the risk of side effects.
List all your medicines (prescribed, non-prescribed, and herbal products).
Share the same with your pharmacist and doctor.
Avoid changing, stopping, or starting the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
The medications might interact with other drugs, including
- Raloxifene
- Fulvestrant
- Ospemifene
- Aromatase inhibitors (such as Anastrozole, Exemestane, and Letrozole)
Takeaway
Both Estriol and Estradiol have their benefits and drawbacks as well.
Though both are Estrogens, they are prescribed for different purposes.
Compared to Estradiol, Estriol is less likely to cause side effects.
However, Estradiol is FDA-approved and considered a more potent form of Estrogen and an affordable option.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will significantly depend on individual patient factors.
These include the patient’s medical history, type of infection, and other medications being taken.
Your doctor can help you determine which medication is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Estriol good for?
Estriol is an Estrogen used to treat Vaginal Atrophy, alleviate menopausal symptoms, and improve urinary tract health. You should talk to a doctor about the risks, advantages, and whether or not it will work for you.
Which Estrogen is the strongest?
Estradiol is the most powerful and biologically active Estrogen. During puberty, it plays a pivotal role in the development of sexual characteristics. However, Estrogen’ potency and efficacy can differ based on the patient’s unique medical condition and response.
How long can you take Estriol?
After considering the patient’s needs and medical history, a doctor should decide on Estriol treatment duration. Commonly, treatment lasts anything from a few weeks to a few months. In order to maximize usefulness and safety, regular monitoring and assessment are essential.
What is Evalon cream?
The topical Evalon cream contains Estrogen, Estriol. Vaginal Atrophy, characterized by tissue weakening, dryness, and irritation, is a common ailment for which this medication is administered. Please speak with your doctor if you have questions about dosing or adverse effects.
